In truth, experiencing a measure of setbacks in life — and enduring some suffering along the way — is not an absolute evil.
These are the workings of an unseen force, using reality itself to remind you: it’s time to make real, concrete changes.
Take a struggling relationship, for example. That’s a signal telling you that you and your partner must adjust how you treat each other — otherwise, this bond will only drag you both further down.
Or consider a blocked path to wealth. That’s a warning that your current abilities have hit their limit. You need to find ways to sharpen your skills and open up new avenues for income.
And yet, so many people are completely unable to understand the deeper meaning behind their setbacks and suffering.
Many of life’s so-called “great obstacles” are nothing more than a first, friendly yellow card — a gentle warning.
With just a slight shift in mindset, you could step forward with renewed energy and break through to a new chapter entirely.
But instead, after the slightest taste of adversity, people flash themselves a red card, walk off the field in defeat, and become deserters in their own story.
Lost for no good reason. Defeated in complete disarray.
Remember this: whatever you want to achieve in life — in any area — you are destined to pay the price of exhaustion, bitterness, and hardship. Without paying that price, you simply will not grow.
I have always summarized it this way: Without pain, it is hard to gain fortune and blessings; without weathering danger and disaster, it is hard to reap good fruit.
Don’t be afraid. Yes, the Dao is harsh — but it will never maliciously pile on you more than you can bear, nor drive you to a dead end.
Grit your teeth. Endure this period of being tempered in the alchemical furnace. When you raise your head again on the other side, you will emerge reborn — formidable in power, piercing in sight, and capable beyond measure.
One more thing: tonight’s comment section is your tree hollow — a safe space to vent.
If something has been weighing on you lately, share it here with everyone. Don’t bottle it up. Saying it out loud will make it a little easier to bear. [hug]